Shloka 22
The Greatness of Puruṣottama
Goloka-tattva and Rādhā–Kṛṣṇa Upāsanā
सा स्वयं शिवरूपाभूत्कौतुकेन वरानने । तदृष्ट्वा सहसाश्चर्यं कृष्णो योगेश्वरेश्वरः ॥ २२ ॥
sā svayaṃ śivarūpābhūtkautukena varānane | tadṛṣṭvā sahasāścaryaṃ kṛṣṇo yogeśvareśvaraḥ || 22 ||
O fair-faced one, she herself, out of playful curiosity, assumed the very form of Śiva. Seeing that, Kṛṣṇa—the Lord of the masters of Yoga—was suddenly struck with wonder.
Narada (narrating within the Uttara-Bhaga Tirtha-Mahatmya context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: hasya
FAQs
It highlights divine līlā and the non-contradiction of the sacred (Hari-Hara harmony): a transformation into Śiva’s form evokes wonder even in Kṛṣṇa, underscoring the mysterious power of the divine beyond ordinary categories.
By portraying Kṛṣṇa’s reverent astonishment at Śiva’s form, the verse supports a bhakti attitude that honors manifestations of the Divine without sectarian hostility—devotion deepens through humility and wonder.
No direct Vedāṅga instruction appears in this verse; the practical takeaway is interpretive—recognizing Purāṇic narrative method (ākhyāna/līlā) used to teach dharma and devotion within a tirtha-mahātmya setting.